home additions, replacement windows

A Newton sunroom addition is your opportunity to bring the beauty and light of the outdoors inside, while leaving the rain, sleet, snow and bugs outside. A sunroom is the ideal place to relax and read a book in climate-controlled comfort or set up a game room or entertaining space. There are a vast array of options for putting your sunroom to great use. There are also more window options than you probably realize. Read on to learn what to consider when choosing windows that will provide the best ambiance and energy efficiency for your space.

What Material Do You Want Your Windows to Be Constructed Of?

The three most popular window material options are vinyl, wood and vinyl- or aluminum-clad. Here are the pros and cons of each.

• Vinyl — Typically priced between $300 and $800, vinyl windows are the most economical windows. These no-frills windows are low maintenance because they don’t need to be painted or repainted. The drawback is they are available in white and only a few other colors. They do the job but don’t really add any aesthetic pizazz and may look out of place on a high-end home.
• Wood — Usually priced from $400 to $1,000, wood windows are classic, have an upscale look and can easily be painted or stained any hue you wish. Over time, repainting or re-staining may be needed. As with anything made of wood, repeated exposure to moisture can cause wood rot.
• Clad — Priced from $500 to well over $1,000, these windows provide all the benefits of wood without the drawbacks. These are wood windows, but the exterior is coated in vinyl or aluminum to make them low maintenance.  

Adding a sunroom can add value to your home.

Do You Want Your Windows to Open? If So, How?

If you don’t care if your windows open, prefer a seamless look reminiscent of a wall of glass, and/or want maximum insulation, fixed windows fit the bill. If you do want to let the breeze in (or the heat out), consider:

• Hinged windows (awning hinged windows open from the top and casement hinged windows open from side to side).
• Horizontally-sliding windows come in a large array of styles and don’t obstruct your view of the outdoors.
• Bay windows are built into the sunroom and provide an ideal space to build a bench underneath.
• Double-hung windows are easy to clean, versatile and deliver the best ventilation of all the window styles.

What Type of Glass Do You Want?

You may be surprised to learn not all window panes are created equally! Your glass options include single-, double- and triple-glazed panes. Basic single-glazed glass (the least expensive option) lacks insulation, middle-price-point double-glazed glass features two layers of glass sandwiching a layer of air or argon gas for improved insulation and the priciest option, triple-glazed glass, provides outstanding insulation. Whichever option you choose, make sure your window glass is tempered so it will shatter in little pieces rather than jagged shards if broken.

If you’re a bit overwhelmed by all of your sunroom window options, skilled Newton home improvement contractors can help you make a smart choice for your specific home.

Colony Home Improvement specializes in designing, building and remodeling homes and has completed many room additions in Newton and the surrounding areas. Building sunrooms is one of our favorite projects because we know customers will enjoy them year-round. If you’re considering adding a sunroom in eastern MA, contact us for a free consultation.